The Saudi-led military coalition operating in Yemen has reported that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed a drone allegedly launched by the Houthi movement toward Saudi Arabia’s holy Mecca region on Friday morning. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki stated via social media that a cruise missile targeting the western part of the kingdom was also brought down earlier in the day.

In sharp contrast, a Houthi spokesperson vehemently denied targeting the Islamic holy city or its surrounding areas, reiterating that the group's cross-border operations are strictly limited to Saudi energy facilities and military infrastructure. The spokesperson dismissed the coalition's claims as fabricated lies propagated by the Saudi regime to deceive the international community.

Hostilities between the Riyadh-backed Yemeni authorities and the Iran-aligned Houthis continue to intensify with no apparent de-escalation in sight. On Thursday, the coalition claimed responsibility for destroying a ballistic missile fired toward the kingdom's eastern region, followed by reports of two additional ballistic missiles intercepted over the capital, Riyadh.

International humanitarian organizations have expressed mounting concern over the deteriorating conditions for civilians caught in the crossfire. As military engagements persist unabated, agencies warn that the prolonged conflict continues to inflict severe hardship on the civilian population across the region.

Source: www.aljazeera.com